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Get ready for a revolution from Dunlop! In October 2012, Dunlop will be releasing their new line of racquets. But these aren’t the same racquets that we are used to seeing from Dunlop. Instead, they’ve completely redesigned their frames to better suit the modern game. With the help of some new technology, Dunlop’s trying to make a new identity for themselves in the world of racquets.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the SIX NEW RACQUETS in the Dunlop line…

Dunlop is introducing some new Biomimetic (inspired by nature) technologies in order to make their racquets lighter, faster, and more powerful. First, they’ve incorporated Biofibre, which is made from the stem skin of plants, and according to Dunlop is lighter than carbon and stronger than steel. It’s used in the throat of the frame to absorb shock and give it 18% greater feel and control.

Next, a state of the art grommet system was introduced made from a substance called MoS2. It’s designed to mimic the surface of snake skin, which is supposed to be more durable and also reduce friction between the frame and the string. It is designed to reduce string friction for 27% greater power and increase abrasion resistance for 40% greater durability.

Finally, the third new technology Dunlop has integrated into the racquet is called Aeroskin CX. It’s an upgrade on their previous Aeroskin technology, which is inspired by shark skin, and looks like little bubbles on the racquet at the 12, 4, and 8 o’clock positions. It’s intended to make the racquet more aerodynamic, dramatically reducing drag and allowing the player to generate much more racquet speed. In numbers, this reduces drag by up to 36%, an 11% increase from the older technology, resulting in a faster racquet speed for more power, maneuverability and reaction time.

All in all, Dunlop is moving away from their lower-powered, control-oriented frames. They even look way different and more modern. The beam is designed in more of an aerodynamic shape (think Babolat AeroPro Drive) as opposed to the classic box beam we have grown accustomed to from Dunlop. The grommets are sunken into the racquets instead of having the string sit above the frame, and the throat is deeper and longer to make the racquet easier to swing. Last but not least, maybe the most immediately noticeable difference in the shape of the head, which is much more of a tear drop shape, narrower towards the throat and flaring out towards the tip.

With their new look and new technologies, Dunlop is also introducing a new naming system to the whole series of racquets. The new racquets are labeled with a smaller number and a decimal (ex. 3.0, 6.0, 9.0 etc.), but people familiar with the old racquets rest assured that they pretty much align with their predecessors (3.0 = 300, 6.0 = 600, etc.). In addition, one of three letters that represents the swing style that best suits the racquet:

F = Full/fast swings
M = Medium/moderate swings
S = Short/slow swings

Dunlop has re-invented themselves and made their racquets more suitable for the modern game. The racquets are lighter, faster, and more powerful, and our playtesters all agree! These new racquets will be available for presale on October 1, and will go on sale later in the month. Keep your eyes peeled and get your new Dunlop racquet (or at least demo it!) soon!